A Love Made New

Book description:  "Abigail Schrock knows God can make all things new, but does that include her broken heart?

It seems as if everyone is falling in love in Birch Creek, including Abigail Schrock. But when heartbreak descends on her already fragile world, she can’t help but feel that if she’d only been a little prettier, she could be on her way down the wedding aisle. To make matters worse, Abigail’s two sisters have found love, while all Abigail can seem to find is the chocolate she has stashed away in the pantry.

Asa Bontrager has never had trouble with the ladies in his Amish community—his good looks have always gotten him far. Which is why he’s baffled by the call he’s received from God to pursue Abigail, a woman who seems determined to turn him away.

Can Abigail find the peace and joy she so desperately desires? Will she allow herself to stop running and melt into the embrace of unforeseen comfort? If she does, she may just discover a love powerful enough to lift the heavy burden of grief weighing her down and restore her hope in a promising future."

My review:  I enjoyed reading this third book in the series An Amish of Birch Creek Novel. This a been a great series, but you don't necessarily have to read the first two before reading this one, although you won't want to miss any of them. Abigail goes through many struggles that are so readily found in our world today. Her insecurities lead her on a journey of learning to trust that God does want what is best for her and will bless her. While this series has come to an end, there is a sub-plot that leaves the reader wanting to know more. I am looking forward to the next book and possibly the beginning of a new series.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

The Wedding Shop

Book description:  "Two women separated by decades. Both set out to help others find their dreams when their own have crumbled.

It's the early 1930s, but Cora Scott is walking in stride as a career woman ​after having inherited her great aunt's wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, where brides come from as far away as Birmingham to experience her famed bridal treatment. Meanwhile, Cora is counting down the days until her own true love returns from the river to make her his bride. But days turn into months and months to years. All the while, Birch Good continues to woo Cora and try to show her that while he is solid and dependable, he can sweep her off her feet.

​More than eighty years later, former ​Air Force Captain Haley Morgan has returned home to Heart's Bend after finishing her commitment to military service. After the devastating death of her best friend, Tammy, and discovering the truth about the man she loved, Haley is searching for her place in life.

When Haley decides to reopen the romantic but abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played and dreamed as children, she begins a journey of courage, mystery, and love.

As Cora’s and ​Haley's stories intertwine through time in the shadow of the beloved wedding shop, they both discover the power of their own dreams and the magic of everyday love."

My review:  I really enjoyed reading this book. The stories of two women from the same town whose lives are entertwined by a wedding shop made for a great storyline. A spattering of unexpected twists and turns kept me engaged in this story and quickly turning pages to see what would happen next.  The characters were well-developed and felt like family by the time the book was finished. I look forward to reading The Wedding Chapel, which is the first book in this series. If it is anything like this book, I will be captivated from beginning to end.  I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher through the Booklook Blogger Program. All opinions are my own.